The Marine, who died last Thursday along with three defense contractors, was identified as a sergeant when a surveillance flight crashed in the Philippines. Jacob M. Durham, officials said.
Last week, the Department of Defense descended in the southern province of Maginda Nao del Sur, providing intelligence reporting, surveillance and reconnaissance assistance at the request of its Philippine allies.
Officials added that four staff members, including US military service members, were on the plane.
On Sunday, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command identified Durham as the plane's Marines. The three contractors have not been identified.
US military surveillance flight in the Philippines crashes, killing four people
The plane's wreckage can be found in rice fields in the province of Magindanao del Sur, Philippines. Officials say on February 6, 2025, a US military contracted plane crashed, killing all four people on board. (Sam Mala/UGC via AP)
The California native was trained as an electronic intelligence/electromagnetic warfare analyst and assigned to the 1st Radio Battalion, the I Marine Expeditionary Force information group, and the I Marine Expeditionary Force.
In a press release, the India-Pacific Command said that Durham joined the Marines in January 2021 and was just promoted to its current rank on February 1st.
Durham has won numerous awards and decorations, including Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Deeds Medal, National Defence Force Medal, Merit Mast, and Navy Crew Insignia.
US military flight surveillance aircraft for reconnaissance missions along the Mexican and southern borders
A US military contracted plane crashed into the rice fields, and all four of them boarded the ship on February 6, 2025. (Sam Mala/UGC via AP)
“I lament the loss of Sergeant Jacob Durham, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” said Lt. Col. Mabel B. Anunziata, commander of the 1st Radio Battalion. “Sergeant Durham embodied the finest traditions of the Marines – exemplifying his calm, intelligence and selfless leadership. He was deeply respected and loved by his fellow Marines. A very difficult time. .”
The aircraft involved in the crash was the Marine Corps Beechcraft King Air 350.
Military officials say the plane crashed during a routine mission to support security cooperation activities in the US and the Philippines.
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Authorities added that the aircraft is providing surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance assistance to allies.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Greg Norman of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
